Fireworks, Family, Fun

The 4th of July is one of my favorite days of the year. This year was no exception.

The day started off with Tony running the Stewartville Summerfest 5 Mile run. Charlie and I walked down to watch him take off, saw him at a few points during the run, and watched him finish strong.

Here we are a ways up from the starting line. The runners did the neatest thing. There was no one there to sing or play The Star Spangled Banner, so they all sang it together. Very neat.

Here's our man coming in to the finish line. He said he wishes he wouldn't have given blood this week. Since he's a bit out of shape, giving blood held him back quite a bit. I was still very proud of him! I sure can't run a 5 mile! 

Here are my 2 boys. Tony had a chance to de-sweat a bit before holding C-man. 

 Our family has a tradition of sharing a delicious and large pot luck picnic with the Schroeders (Oma Kathe's family). I do not have pictures of the event this year, but I can tell you it was as wonderful as it always is. Cher and Stephania (spelling?) joined us as well! What a little sweetheart! 

My cousin Jacque made a stop at Target and found these awesome glasses! Charlie was quite decked out! Right after this picture was taken at Lake Florence, I noticed a gross substance leaking through Charlie's outfit. Jacque and I rushed him back to our house. The ordeal ended with a bath and Tony scrubbing lots of clothes and the stroller....

We brought Matt's wheelchair down to Grandpa's so Matt could comfortably enjoy the parade. Of course Kaylee and Meg had to have some fun with it!

This was the first time Jacque met Charlie. I think they are quite the pair!

Here's our little family before the parade started. Charlie was asleep until the Legion shot off the guns....

Here's Charlie while all the sirens from the fire trucks were in full force. He didn't cry at all!

Here's the Schroeder/Smidt (and bonus Knutson) crew at the parade. 

Matt was cut out of the picture, so here he is too!

 
Look who came to enjoy the parade with us! Charlie was so enthralled with Natalie when he woke up. I tried taking a picture of him, but he couldn't stop staring at Natalie! He sure loves his big cousins...

After the parade, Tony convinced me that Charlie needed to go home to bed. It was already WAY past his bedtime. Tony was right, Charlie was asleep in seconds...

I stayed at Grandpa's and enjoyed the fireworks with my family. Our friend Michael and his 2 little cuties, Hannah and Caden, joined us for the show. I think those 2 kiddos could've played with sparklers all night! It was fun to have them join us! 

What a great day filled with family bonding....